Metal Finishes
Add aesthetic and functionality with a finish.
Metal finishes are specialised treatments and processes that are applied to standard materials like brass, copper, stainless steel and steel to enhance their aesthetic appeal and protect the surface.
These finishes can transform the appearance and texture of the metal, making them suitable for various architectural and decorative applications such as bespoke metal work, wall panels, and internal cladding.
Maximum Panel Size: 1500 x 3000mm
Appropriate products and material: Brass, Copper, Mild Steel and Stainless Steel
Finishes are applied to metal products to elevate their appearance and protect against weather and wear and tear. These finishes can be added to applications such as internal cladding, frames, wall panels and more.
Benefits of Metal Finishes
- Aesthetic Enhancement: Metal finishes can significantly alter the look of a material, offering options that range from a sleek, modern finish to a rich, antique patina. This versatility allows designers to achieve a wide array of visual effects to match any design theme and design intent.
- Durability: Applying a finish to metals can improve their resistance to wear and tear, corrosion, and other environmental factors, extending the lifespan of the material.
- Protection: Finishes can protect the underlying metal from oxidation, tarnishing, and other forms of degradation, preserving its appearance and structural integrity over time.
- Maintenance: Many finishes make metals easier to clean and maintain by reducing fingerprints, smudges, and other marks, ensuring the surfaces remain pristine with minimal effort.
Environmental Benefits
- Sustainability: Using metal finishes can contribute to sustainability by extending the life of materials and reducing the need for frequent replacements. Durable finishes mean fewer resources are required for maintenance and refurbishment.
- Recyclability: Metals like brass, copper, and stainless steel are recyclable. Finishing processes can be designed to be environmentally friendly, further enhancing the recyclability of the materials.
- Energy Efficiency: Some metal finishes can improve the thermal performance of buildings by reflecting heat, contributing to energy savings in heating and cooling.
Qualities and Uses in Interior Design
- Versatility: Metal finishes offer a range of textures and colours that can complement any interior design style, from contemporary to traditional. This flexibility makes them ideal for a wide variety of applications.
- Highlighting Features: Finishes can be used to accentuate architectural features, such as creating focal points with a dramatic blackened steel wall panel or adding elegance with brushed brass fixtures.
- Creating Ambiance: The choice of metal finish can influence the overall ambiance of a space. For instance, antique finishes can add warmth and a sense of history, while polished finishes can create a sleek, modern look.
Metal finishes are applied by hand, bringing a high level of craftsmanship and uniqueness to materials such as brass, copper, and stainless steel. The finishes offer bespoke effects and one-of-a-kind patterns, allowing for a wide range of aesthetic possibilities from antique and rustic to sleek and contemporary. These techniques enhance the depth and character of the metal, ensuring each piece is distinct and visually rich, due to the manual application, there are limitations on panels sizes and items that can have the finishes applied:
Standard Sizes:
- 1000 x 2000mm (Brass, Copper, Stainless Steel, Mild Steel)
- 1000 x 2500mm (Brass, Copper, Stainless Steel, Mild Steel)
- 1250 x 2500mm (Stainless Steel, Mild Steel)
- 1500 x 3000mm (Stainless Steel, Mild Steel)
Thickness:
- Brass – 0.9mm to 3mm
- Copper – 0.9mm to 3mm
- Stainless Steel – 0.9mm to 3mm
- Mild Steel – 0.9mm to 3mm
Specifying a metal finish is crucial for enhancing the durability and aesthetic appeal of metal products. These finishes provide a protective layer that guards against wear, corrosion, and environmental damage, significantly extending the lifespan of the material.
Durability:
- Protection against wear and tear.
- Resistance to corrosion and oxidation.
- Enhanced longevity of the metal.
Range of Finishes Available
Metal finishes come in a wide variety of styles, each offering unique visual and textural qualities. The diverse range of finishes allows for the creation of bespoke designs that can cater to specific aesthetic preferences.
Types of Finishes:
- Antique: Creates a vintage, aged look.
- Brushed: Provides a matte, textured surface.
- Blackened: Results in a dramatic, darkened appearance.
- Polished: Offers a sleek, reflective finish.
Applications on Different Products
Metal finishes can be applied to an extensive range of products, making them suitable for various architectural and decorative uses. This versatility ensures that finished metal components seamlessly integrate into different design projects.
Types of Products:
- Box sections.
- Angle frames.
- Flat sheets.
- Fabricated parts.
Unique and Customised Finish
Each hand-applied metal finish offers a level of uniqueness and customisation that is unmatched by machine-applied finishes. This approach ensures that every project has a distinct and personalised appearance, showcasing the skill and creativity of the craftsmen involved. The variability in techniques and the personal touch of an artisan result in finishes that exhibit unique patterns, textures, and hues, making each piece bespoke.
Metal finishes can transform the appearance and functionality of metals such as stainless steel, brass and copper. Each type of finish offers distinct characteristics that can significantly enhance the aesthetic and durability of metal surfaces. Here is an in-depth look at four popular types of metal finishes: antique, brushed, polished, and blackened.
Antique Finishes
Antique finishes are designed to give metal surfaces a weathered, vintage look. This type of finish is achieved through various chemical treatments and patinas that simulate the natural aging process of metals, creating a rich, textured appearance.
Characteristics:
- Dark, muted tones with hints of green, brown, or black.
- Aged, worn look that adds character and depth.
- Subtle variations in colour and texture, mimicking natural oxidation.
Brushed Finishes
Brushed finishes are created by brushing the metal surface with an abrasive material, resulting in fine, parallel lines that produce a matte texture. This finish softens the natural shine of the metal, providing a subtle, sophisticated look.
Characteristics:
- Matte appearance with fine, consistent lines.
- Softens the metal’s reflective properties.
- Reduces the visibility of fingerprints and smudges.
Polished Finishes
Polished finishes involve buffing the metal surface to a high gloss, reflective shine. This type of finish enhances the natural brilliance of the metal, making it look sleek and elegant.
Characteristics:
- Highly reflective, mirror-like surface.
- Smooth and shiny with a luxurious appearance.
- Highlights the purity and quality of the metal.
Blackened Finishes
Blackened finishes are achieved through the application of black oxide or similar treatments that darken the metal surface. This finish creates a bold, dramatic look with a matte or slightly satin texture.
Characteristics:
- Deep, uniform black or dark grey colour.
- Matte or low-sheen finish that adds a modern, industrial feel.
- Enhances corrosion resistance and provides a protective layer.
Metal finishes can be used to enhance various elements in interior design, providing both aesthetic and functional benefits. Here are some key applications for metal finishes in interior design:
Architectural Features
Metal finishes can be applied to architectural elements to create focal points or harmonise with the overall design theme.
Railings and Balustrades
- Finishes like brushed stainless steel or blackened iron add a modern or industrial touch.
- Antique finishes can provide a more traditional or rustic feel.
Door and Window Frames
- Polished brass or copper frames can add elegance and sophistication.
- Blackened finishes create a sleek, contemporary look.
Furniture
Applying metal finishes to furniture can enhance its aesthetic appeal and durability.
Table Bases and Legs
- Brushed or polished finishes can give a modern and clean appearance.
- Antique finishes add a vintage charm.
Cabinet Hardware
- Handles and knobs with brushed or polished finishes improve both function and style.
- Blackened hardware provides a striking contrast and modern appeal.
Lighting Fixtures
Metal finishes on lighting fixtures can dramatically impact the ambiance and style of a space.
Chandeliers and Pendants
- Polished finishes create a luxurious and reflective look.
- Antique finishes add warmth and character.
Wall Sconces and Lamps
- Brushed finishes offer a contemporary and understated elegance.
- Blackened finishes provide a bold, industrial aesthetic.
Wall Panels and Cladding
Metal finishes can transform wall panels and cladding into striking design elements.
Feature Walls
- Antique copper or brass panels add depth and a sense of history.
- Blackened steel panels create a dramatic, modern statement.
Interior Cladding
Brushed stainless steel cladding offers a sleek and professional look.
Polished finishes can make walls reflective and visually interesting.
Room Dividers
Metal finishes applied to room dividers, especially those incorporating mesh, can create visually appealing and functional partitions in a space.
- Mesh Panels:
- Brushed or blackened finishes on mesh panels add an industrial or modern touch.
- Antique finishes on mesh provide a vintage, decorative element.
- Structural Frames:
- Polished metal frames can add a sleek, sophisticated edge to room dividers.
- Brushed finishes on frames provide a softer, more contemporary look.
Decorative Elements
Smaller decorative elements can benefit greatly from the application of metal finishes.
Mirrors and Picture Frames
- Polished or antique finishes can enhance the decorative appeal and draw attention.
- Brushed finishes provide a subtle, sophisticated look.
Sculptures and Art Pieces
- Blackened or antique finishes can add depth and texture.
- Polished finishes highlight the form and details of the artwork.
